NJ DMV CHAPTER 6NJ DMV CHAPTER 6Drinking, DrugsDrinking, Drugs

& Health& Health

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOLDRIVER EDUCATION

Effects of AlcoholEffects of Alcohol Alcohol is a drug that affects Alcohol is a drug that affects overall driving abilityoverall driving ability. .

Alcohol may make a motorist Alcohol may make a motorist overconfidentoverconfident and unable and unable to to think clearlythink clearly. .

Motorists who drink may make Motorists who drink may make more mistakesmore mistakes. .

Even if a motorist thinks he/she is below the level of Even if a motorist thinks he/she is below the level of legal intoxication, alcohol will affect driving. legal intoxication, alcohol will affect driving.

Drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases a Drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases a motorist’s chances of having an accident. motorist’s chances of having an accident.

Driving under the influence of intoxicating Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages means that a driver’s senses beverages means that a driver’s senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol. and judgment are impaired by alcohol.

After two, three or four drinks, alcohol After two, three or four drinks, alcohol begins to impair reaction time, begins to impair reaction time, coordination and balance. coordination and balance.

Vision and the ability to Vision and the ability to judge distancejudge distance is is affected, making it more difficult to affected, making it more difficult to react react and to drive safelyand to drive safely

The only thing that can make a person sober is The only thing that can make a person sober is timetime. Alcohol is removed slowly by the body. . Alcohol is removed slowly by the body.

The majority The majority (90 percent)(90 percent) of the alcohol of the alcohol detoxified is oxidized (burned up) by the detoxified is oxidized (burned up) by the liverliver..

The other The other 10 percent10 percent is eliminated in is eliminated in breath, breath,

urine and sweaturine and sweat. This fact is the prime reason . This fact is the prime reason why sober-up-quick methods do not work.why sober-up-quick methods do not work.

http://www.car-accidents.com/fatal-crash-photos-3.html

In addition, studies have proven In addition, studies have proven conclusively that a combination of alcohol conclusively that a combination of alcohol and and angeranger is responsible for much of the is responsible for much of the reckless, aggressive driving that can reckless, aggressive driving that can cause fatal highway accidents. cause fatal highway accidents.

While most alcohol-related collisions While most alcohol-related collisions involve only one vehicle, they frequently involve only one vehicle, they frequently result in the death or serious injury of result in the death or serious injury of numerous people, including passengers, numerous people, including passengers, pedestrians and other motorists.pedestrians and other motorists.

How Much is Too Much ?How Much is Too Much ? The only scientific way to check is through The only scientific way to check is through

blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. A blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. A simple breath test will show a motorist’s simple breath test will show a motorist’s BAC. BAC.

BAC is determined by four factors:BAC is determined by four factors:• • Quantity of alcohol consumedQuantity of alcohol consumed• • Body weightBody weight• • How quickly drinks were consumedHow quickly drinks were consumed• • Food eatenFood eaten

The best way to reduce the risk of a crash The best way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by drinking and driving is not to caused by drinking and driving is not to drive at all after drinking.drive at all after drinking.

In New Jersey, it is illegal for an individual In New Jersey, it is illegal for an individual who is 21 years of age or older to drive who is 21 years of age or older to drive with a BAC of .08 percent or higher . with a BAC of .08 percent or higher .

For individuals younger than 21, it is illegal For individuals younger than 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or to drive with a BAC of .01 percent or higher. Violators face severe penalties in higher. Violators face severe penalties in addition to other penalties assessed for addition to other penalties assessed for DUI/DWIDUI/DWI

If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly above .05 percent after drinking, the risk above .05 percent after drinking, the risk for causing a motor vehicle accident for causing a motor vehicle accident doubles. doubles.

The risk is six times as great when driving The risk is six times as great when driving with a BAC of .10 percent. with a BAC of .10 percent.

The risk is 25 times as great when driving The risk is 25 times as great when driving with a BAC of .15 percent.with a BAC of .15 percent.

Note: Under state law, refusal to take a Note: Under state law, refusal to take a breath test is equal to driving with a BAC breath test is equal to driving with a BAC of .08 percent for a first offense. of .08 percent for a first offense.

The current penalty for both is the loss of The current penalty for both is the loss of driving privileges for seven months to one driving privileges for seven months to one year, to run concurrently or consecutively, year, to run concurrently or consecutively, based upon a judge’s order based upon a judge’s order

Motorists who refuse to take a breath test Motorists who refuse to take a breath test in New Jersey are also subject to an MVC in New Jersey are also subject to an MVC insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for insurance surcharge of $1,000 per year for three years . three years .

Failure to pay this surcharge will result in Failure to pay this surcharge will result in an indefinite suspension of driving an indefinite suspension of driving privileges until the fee is paidprivileges until the fee is paid

EVERY DRINK CONTAINS ABOUT 1/2 EVERY DRINK CONTAINS ABOUT 1/2 OUNCE OF ALCOHOL. IT’S NOT WHAT OUNCE OF ALCOHOL. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DRINK, BUT HOW MANY DRINKS YOU DRINK, BUT HOW MANY DRINKS YOU HAVE.YOU HAVE.

It is important to remember that it does not It is important to remember that it does not matter what alcoholic beverage is matter what alcoholic beverage is consumed. consumed.

There is just as much alcohol in the There is just as much alcohol in the average beer as there is in the average average beer as there is in the average drink of whiskey or wine. drink of whiskey or wine.

For example, 1 ½ ounces of 80-proof For example, 1 ½ ounces of 80-proof whiskey, 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of whiskey, 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of table wine all contain the same amount of table wine all contain the same amount of alcohol: about ½ ounce of alcohol per alcohol: about ½ ounce of alcohol per drink.drink.

Studies show that most people arrested Studies show that most people arrested for drinking and driving had been drinking for drinking and driving had been drinking beer.beer.

Although food does slow the absorption of Although food does slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, eating will alcohol into the bloodstream, eating will not prevent a high BAC when steadily not prevent a high BAC when steadily drinking large amounts. drinking large amounts.

Heavy drinking will always produce a high Heavy drinking will always produce a high BAC. BAC.

Eating does not make a motorist sober. Eating does not make a motorist sober. The best way to avoid drinking and driving The best way to avoid drinking and driving

is to arrange for a designated motorist, is to arrange for a designated motorist, use public transportation or call a cab.use public transportation or call a cab.

Drinking and DrivingDrinking and Driving

Drinking affects a motorist’s Drinking affects a motorist’s thinking and slows thinking and slows reaction timereaction time. .

Alcohol may also give a motorist a false feeling that Alcohol may also give a motorist a false feeling that he/she can do anything.he/she can do anything.

Law enforcement is trained to notice certain telltale Law enforcement is trained to notice certain telltale signs that a motorist has been drinkingsigns that a motorist has been drinking::

• • Speeding: Speeding: An intoxicated driver often thinks high An intoxicated driver often thinks high speed driving is safespeed driving is safe• • Weaving: Weaving: Even though an intoxicated driver Even though an intoxicated driver may stay in the correct lane, driving straight may may stay in the correct lane, driving straight may be a problembe a problem• • Slow driving: Slow driving: An intoxicated driver may be An intoxicated driver may be overly cautious and drive slower than the normal overly cautious and drive slower than the normal traffic flowtraffic flow• • Jerking motion: Jerking motion: An intoxicated driver often An intoxicated driver often may have short mental lapses and not keep a may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed on a clear roadsteady speed on a clear road• • Quick stops: Quick stops: An intoxicated driver may make An intoxicated driver may make sudden stops at a traffic sign or light, rather than sudden stops at a traffic sign or light, rather than easing up to iteasing up to it

Good Hosts and the Drinking DriverGood Hosts and the Drinking DriverAlways beAlways be

Always be a good host. If serving alcohol at a party, always Always be a good host. If serving alcohol at a party, always provide alcohol-free drinks and serve nutritious foods or provide alcohol-free drinks and serve nutritious foods or snacks. Never insist that a guest should drink an alcoholic snacks. Never insist that a guest should drink an alcoholic beverage or insist on refills.beverage or insist on refills.

Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. If someone Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends. If someone drinks too much, do not let them drive. If no other drinks too much, do not let them drive. If no other transportation is available, suggest a nap or invite the guest transportation is available, suggest a nap or invite the guest to spend the night. As a last resort, notify the police. to spend the night. As a last resort, notify the police.

Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved Hosts may become involved in a lawsuit if a guest is involved in a drinking and driving collision after leaving the party.in a drinking and driving collision after leaving the party.

Designated DriversDesignated Drivers As the first state in the country to officially As the first state in the country to officially

launch the launch the Hero Campaign for Hero Campaign for Designated DriversDesignated Drivers, New Jersey , New Jersey encourages all state residents to encourages all state residents to participate in designated driver programs participate in designated driver programs wherever they travel, whether as a wherever they travel, whether as a motorist or a passenger. motorist or a passenger.

Being a designated driver is a great Being a designated driver is a great responsibility. The designated driver is responsibility. The designated driver is responsible for the safe transportation of responsible for the safe transportation of friends or family members who have been friends or family members who have been drinking alcoholic beverages. drinking alcoholic beverages.

Designated drivers not only ensure the Designated drivers not only ensure the safety of the people they are escorting safety of the people they are escorting home but also the safety of other home but also the safety of other motorists.motorists.

A motorist who chooses to have a A motorist who chooses to have a designated driver when attending designated driver when attending functions where alcohol will be served functions where alcohol will be served shows maturity and consideration for other shows maturity and consideration for other motorists who share the road. motorists who share the road.

Drugs and DrivingDrugs and Driving

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey roadways under the influence New Jersey roadways under the influence of any illegal drugs. of any illegal drugs.

The labels on bottles of prescription drugs The labels on bottles of prescription drugs will describe common side effects.will describe common side effects.

Drugs that “may cause drowsiness or Drugs that “may cause drowsiness or dizziness” should not be taken before dizziness” should not be taken before driving. driving.

Ask a professional about how over-the-Ask a professional about how over-the-counter drugs may affect driving. counter drugs may affect driving.

Drugs that may affect basic driving skills Drugs that may affect basic driving skills include cold pills, tranquilizers and some include cold pills, tranquilizers and some prescription medicationsprescription medications

Never mix drugs without asking a medical Never mix drugs without asking a medical professional about possible side effects or professional about possible side effects or how the drug may affect driving. how the drug may affect driving.

Alcohol should never be mixed with any Alcohol should never be mixed with any drugs or medications.drugs or medications.

If asked, motorists using prescription If asked, motorists using prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription to law enforcement. to law enforcement.

If a motorist does not have a prescription If a motorist does not have a prescription for the drug, and a prescription is for the drug, and a prescription is necessary in order to obtain the drug, the necessary in order to obtain the drug, the drug will be considered illegal.drug will be considered illegal.

After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found with drivers involved in collisions. found with drivers involved in collisions. Marijuana use may affect a motorist in the Marijuana use may affect a motorist in the following ways:following ways:• • Loss of tracking ability: Loss of tracking ability: This is the ability to This is the ability to maintain a vehicle in a given line.maintain a vehicle in a given line.• • Distance judgment: Distance judgment: Following too closely can Following too closely can cause problems.cause problems.• • Vigilance: Vigilance: Not remaining attentive to the Not remaining attentive to the driving task can cause a motorist to follow too driving task can cause a motorist to follow too closely, drift into another lane, etc.closely, drift into another lane, etc.• • Divided attention: Divided attention: Driving is a task that Driving is a task that requires constant attention to traffic, roadway requires constant attention to traffic, roadway and weather conditions, passengers, gauges, and weather conditions, passengers, gauges, etc.etc.

Healthy DrivingHealthy Driving

HealthHealth Any health problem can affect an Any health problem can affect an

individual’s driving. individual’s driving. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a Even little problems like a stiff neck, a

cough or a sore leg can give an individual cough or a sore leg can give an individual trouble while driving. trouble while driving.

If a motorist is not feeling well, he/she If a motorist is not feeling well, he/she should let someone else drive.should let someone else drive.

VisionVision Vision is important to safe driving. Most of Vision is important to safe driving. Most of

what a motorist does behind the wheel is what a motorist does behind the wheel is based on what he/she sees. based on what he/she sees.

State law permits the MVC to retest 10 State law permits the MVC to retest 10 percent of the driving population each percent of the driving population each year. year.

A motorist should have his/her eyes tested A motorist should have his/her eyes tested every year or two. every year or two.

If over age 40, a motorist should have If over age 40, a motorist should have his/her eyes checked every year for his/her eyes checked every year for special problems.special problems.

Good side visionGood side vision (peripheral vision) is (peripheral vision) is also essential for safe driving. Side vision also essential for safe driving. Side vision helps a motorist see out of the corners of helps a motorist see out of the corners of his/her eyes while looking straight ahead.his/her eyes while looking straight ahead.

Distance judgmentDistance judgment is also an important is also an important component to driving. A motorist should component to driving. A motorist should know his/her distance from any object know his/her distance from any object while driving. Bad distance judgment often while driving. Bad distance judgment often causes accidents.causes accidents.

HearingHearing Hearing is more important to driving than many Hearing is more important to driving than many

people think. It can warn a motorist of danger. people think. It can warn a motorist of danger. The sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires The sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires

warns a motorist to be careful. A motorist may warns a motorist to be careful. A motorist may be able to hear a car that cannot be seen.be able to hear a car that cannot be seen.

Even people with good hearing cannot hear well Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio is blaring or he/she is wearing if the radio is blaring or he/she is wearing earphones. earphones.

A motorist should always keep the radio turned A motorist should always keep the radio turned down and never wear earphones.down and never wear earphones.